Defense key early for Utica Comets

Ben Birnell

Tuesday

Nov 7, 2017 at 8:47 PMNov 7, 2017 at 9:03 PM

UTICA — The Utica Comets have their second-best start through 10 games.

The Comets are 5-4-0-1 overall after a shootout win over Rochester on Saturday. Utica is one of three teams with 11 points in the North Division and is behind Toronto (18), Laval (16) and Rochester (13) as the Comets close out a five-game homestand against the Charlotte Checkers today and Friday.

Utica’s best start was in 2014-15, when the Comets were 7-1-2-0 in their first 10 games.

Goaltender Thatcher Demko — currently on recall with Vancouver — has been a big part of the Comets’ progress over the last few weeks with a 1.85 goals-against average. He won the AHL’s Goaltender of the Month honor for October.

The team has forward depth, too, and Comets coach Trent Cull likes the play of his defensemen.

“It is one thing in knowing something, but how you execute it (is different),” said Cull, a defenseman during his pro playing career. “I think our guys have done a good job in their execution of our (defensive) zone coverage. Also, we’ve talked about how we want to move pucks and breakout pucks and they’re getting better at that.”

Each of the defensemen — Evan McEneny, Jalen Chatfield, Ashton Sautner, Jordan Subban, Jaime Sifers, Philip Holm and Guillaume Brisebois — has made contributions. Utica is allowing 29.10 shots, the 10th fewest in the AHL, and the Comets are fifth on the penalty kill at 87 percent.

The group includes a mix with rookies Chatfield and Brisebois. Holm is in his first season in North America and Sifers has played in 549 AHL games.

“Everyone can skate and in today’s game, and it is so important to have D-men that can move up the ice,” said the 23-year-old Sautner, who has played in 107 regular-season games with the Comets. “We have guys that can play every night and contribute.”

Cull said Sautner, who has been part of the Comets’ penalty kill, has been a steady presence while adding some grit on the blue line.

“It’s something that I’ve tried to focus on,” Sautner said. “I’m just trying to find that niche, I guess you could say, in my game. I’m trying to be a guy that is hard to play against and can skate and move the puck, but bring that physical side. … I found last year at the halfway point that I was able to start to play like that. … I know that’s the way I’m going to have to play to be successful.”

Charlotte (8-3-0-0), which is visiting Utica for the first and only time this season, is averaging 3.91 goals per game. The Checkers have won back-to-back games since splitting a series against the Comets at the end of October.

“Down there was a battle and a couple hard-fought games,” Sautner said. “We expect a couple hard games. We’re ready for it. We have to find a way to be consistent at home.”

Charlotte Checkers are in Utica for the first time.Comets, Checkers play Wednesday, Friday.pic.twitter.com/jaQ5JK9ejk

&mdash; Ben Birnell (@OD_Birnell)November 7, 2017

Boucher gets call

The early-season shuffle between Utica and Vancouver continued Tuesday.

This time, the Comets lost one of their top offensive threats as center Reid Boucher was recalled to the NHL. The move follows a strong start with the Comets for the talented Boucher, who played 27 games with the Canucks after spending time with New Jersey and Nashville in 2016-17.

The 24-year-old Boucher has had a big role with the Comets this season, playing in all situations — including the penalty kill and power play - as one of the team's top forwards. Boucher has three goals and seven assists for 10 points, second on the team. His 34 shots lead the team.

“I think Reid is playing very well for us,” Cull said. “I think he’s been a very consistent performer for us. I think it’s a great recall. ... I was excited for him.”

The 5-foot-10, 195-pund Boucher did not practice with the Comets on Tuesday. Without Boucher, there are 16 forwards on the Comets’ roster.

Boucher’s recall follows moves in the last five days that have included Anton Rodin and Jayson Megna returning to the Comets and recalls of Brendan Gaunce (conditioning stint) and Demko to Vancouver. Michael Garteig was recalled to the Comets after Demko earned his promotion. Since Oct. 17, there have been 18 moves involving the Comets.

Roll call

Center Cam Darcy practiced without restriction Tuesday. Darcy, who is on a professional tryout contract with Utica, hasn’t played since Oct. 21 due to a lower-body injury.

“He’s good to go,” Cull said. “I think he will be an option for us (Wednesday).”

Brendan Woods — who said he injured his shoulder after a collision with Darren Archibald while crashing the net in Friday’s loss to Binghamton — did not practice Tuesday. Woods “is on the mend,” according to Cull.

Forwards Wacey Hamilton (undisclosed injury) and Michael Carcone (illness) didn’t practice and are not available to play today, Cull said.

McEneny left midway through Tuesday’s practice. Cull did not have an update on McEneny, who has two goals and three assists in his last four games.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.